Hearing prosthesis system having interchangeable housings

ABSTRACT

There is disclosed a hearing prosthesis comprising a first housing containing a primary signal processor that receives signals output by a microphone; and a second housing removably connectable to the first housing; wherein a user interface is provided on the second housing that provides control of one or more features of the operation of the primary signal processor.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/582,240, filed on Aug. 4, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,788,050,issued on Jul. 22, 2014, which is a national stage of InternationalApplication No. PCT/AU2004/001803, filed on Dec. 22, 2004, which claimspriority from AU Patent Application No. 2003907101, filed on Dec. 22,2003. The contents of these applications are hereby incorporated byreference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

This present invention is generally directed to auditory prosthesis, andmore particularly, to an external speech processor unit for an auditoryprosthesis.

2. Related Art

A cochlear™ implant hearing prosthesis (also referred to as a cochlear™prosthesis, and the like, collectively and generally referred to hereinas “cochlear implant”) delivers electrical stimulation to the auditorynerve fibres thereby allowing the brain to perceive a hearing sensationresembling the natural hearing sensation normally delivered by theauditory nerve.

As shown in prior art drawing FIG. 5, a cochlear implant hearingprosthesis typically comprises an external assembly of components 51 andan implantable assembly of components 52.

The external assembly 51 includes a primary signal processor unit in theform of a speech processor unit 56, a transmission coil 57 and amicrophone unit 58. The primary signal processor unit includes aninternal power source, such as a number of batteries, and is connectedto each of the transmission coil 57 and microphone unit 58 via cables59.

The internal assembly 52 typically includes a receiver antenna 55, areceiver/stimulator unit 53, and an intracochlear electrode assembly 54.

In operation, the microphone 58 detects sounds, such as speech andenvironmental sounds and converts these into an electrical signal. Theelectrical signal is then encoded by the speech processing electronicsin the primary signal processor unit 56. The encoded output signal istranscutaneously transmitted to the internal assembly 52 via a radiofrequency (RF) link.

In recent times, the speech processor unit and the microphone unit havebeen combined to form a single unit that is worn behind the ear. This isreferred to as a behind the ear (BTE) speech processor unit.

Referring to prior art drawing FIG. 6, the BIB speech processor unit 61is normally manufactured by mould a main body and an inter-engageablebattery carrier. This arrangement enables the batteries 62 to be readilyreplaced.

The BTE speech processor unit 61 is relatively expensive and mustundergo an optimisation procedure following implantation of theimplantable assembly 52. While the operability of the signal processingaspects of the BTE speech processor unit can be varied by clinicalsoftware during the optimisation procedure, usually in a clincian'spractice, other aspects of operability are far more limited. This isparticularly the case with external user inter-actable features.

It is desired to provide an arrangement that improves upon earlierproposals, or at least provides a useful alternative.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect, the present invention is a hearingprosthesis system comprising: a first housing containing a primarysignal processing unit that receives signals output by a microphone; anda plurality of second housings that are removably connectable to thefirst housing; wherein only one of said second housings is connectableto said first housing at any one time and further wherein at least oneof said second housings has a user interface that provides control ofone or more features of the operation of the primary signal processor.

According to a second aspect the present invention is a hearingprosthesis comprising: a first housing containing a primary signalprocessor that receives signals output by a microphone; and a secondhousing removably connectable to the first housing, wherein a userinterface is provided on the second housing that provides control of oneor more features of the operation of the primary signal processor.

According to a third aspect, the present invention is a hearingprosthesis comprising: a first housing containing a primary signalprocessor that receives sirs output by a microphone; and a remotemodule; wherein a user interface is provided on the remote module thatprovides control of one or more features of the operation of the primarysignal processor.

According to another aspect, the present invention is a speechprocessing unit for a hearing pros thesis rte speech processing unitcomprising: a main part configured for wearing behind an ear of thehearing prosthesis recipient, the main part including a primary signalprocessor for carrying out primary signal processing functionsassociated with the speech processing unit; and a replaceable part beingremovably connectable with the pry part, the replaceable part includinga user interface for communication with the primary signal processor.

According to another aspect, the present invention is a speechprocessing unit for a codhlear implant recipient, the speech processingunit comprising: a main part configured for wearing behind an ear of thecochlear implant recipient, the main part including a primary signalprocessor for out primary signal processing functions associated withthe speech processing unit; and a replaceable part being removablyconnectable with the primary part, the replaceable part including abattery compartment and user interface for communication with theprimary signal processor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention are described below with referenceto the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of an ex component of a hearingprosthesis according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of another external component of ahearing prosthesis according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a view of another external component of a hearing prosthesisaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a hearing prosthesis system according tothe present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an example of a prior art extend assembly; and

FIG. 6 is another example of a prior art external assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a BTE speech processor unit 10 includes a firsthousing 11 (or a main part), an ear hook 12 and a second housing 13 (orreplaceable part). The first and/or second housing can be formed of ametallic material a ceramic material a polymeric material, or somecombination thereof.

The BTE speech processor unit 10 is connected to a headpiece 37 viacable 36 which extends from the first housing 11.

The first housing 11 includes a signal processing electronics foroperating the BTE speech processor unit 10. In this example, amicrophone 11 a is mounted on the first housing 11. However, themicrophone can be positioned elsewhere, such as on the headpiece 37, onthe second housing 13, or on the clothing of the recipient.

The headpiece 37 comprises an antenna coil 38 that is capable oftransmitting signals to a complementary antenna implanted within therecipient in addition, the antenna coil 38 is capable of receivingsignals transmitted from the implanted antenna. The antenna coil 38surrounds a magnet 39 that is attracted to a complementary magnetimplanted within the recipient. The magnetic attraction serves to retainthe antenna coil 38, during use, in the desired position on the head ofthe recipient.

The speech processor unit 10 further comprises a second housing 13 thatis removably connectable to the it housing 11. It is envisaged that thesecond housing 13 is normally replaceable by the recipient.

The second housing 13 includes a user interface panel 14 bang two pushbuttons 15, 16 and a dial 17. Push button 15 is used to activate anddeactivate the speech processor within the first housing 11 and is alsoused to select the speech processor programme being performed by thespeech processor. The dial 17 allows adjustment of the volume andsensitivity of the speech processor while the push button 16 allows therecipient or their carer to select whether the input to the speechprocessor is provided by the microphone, a telecoil or a mire of inputs.The user interface panel 14 is either removably or non-removably mountedto the second housing 13.

The present inventors have realised that providing for replaceability orinterchangeability of the user interface can provide significantrecipient benefits, compared with the manufacturing costs and totalpurchasing costs for an external component assembly of a hearingprosthesis. For example, it may be desired to provide larger pushbuttons for the elderly while children and infants may require moresimplified interlockable controls. Similarly, an experienced user mayrequire a more complex interface and/or greater flexibility with theinternal workings of the speech processor.

Another advantage includes that the recipient can choose the userinterface that suits them and/or their lifestyle. They also have theoption of being able to delay a final decision as to which userinterface they wish to use until after the purchase of the speechprocessor unit. If desired, they also have the option of changing theuser interface of their system without the need to purchase a new speechprocessor unit.

The system also has advantage a the user is able to upgrade their userinterface if and when desired. An upgrade may be made because a new typeof user interface has been made available and/or because the userinterface has failed and so needs to be replaced. The user interfacebeing actuable is vulnerable to damage and this ability to be able toreplace the user interface without having necessarily to replace thespeech processor unit is an advantage of the present system.

A further advantage of the BTE speech processor unit is that the partswhich are most vulnerable to damage and/or that are less expensive canbe easily replaced.

Turning now to FIG. 2, there is depicted a BTE speech processing unit 20having an alternative user interface panel 24. As with the userinterface panel described in relation to FIG. 1, the interface panel 24of FIG. 2 can be removably or non-removably mounted to the secondhousing 23.

The user interface panel 24 includes two tactile position controls 25,26 that, through their position provide feedback to the recipient and/ortheir carer as to the setting of that control. Both tactile positioncontrols 25, 26 comprise a switch that is movable between at least threesettings. Switch 25 is a three-position switch that allows a recipientand/or their carer to select which speech programme is to be used. Dial27 allows adjustment of the volume and sensitivity of the speechprocessor. Switch 26 allows a recipient and/or their carer to setwhether the speech processor is receiving input from the microphone, atelecoil, or a mix of such inputs. The switch 26 also allows therecipient and/or their carer to adjust the operation of the speechprocessor such that it cm detect relatively softer sounds, such aswhisper.

In FIG. 2, the user interface 24 is enclosed within a resilientlyflexible cover 28. The cover 28 protects the user interface 24 but alsoallows more precise control of the user interface 24 by the recipientand/or their carer.

In the arrangements shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first housing 11 for thespeech processor is provided without a user interface. Therefore, anymodification of its performance must be performed through the userinterface on the second housing (13 or 23).

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, more than one type of second housing can beremovably mountable to the first housing 11. The various types of secondhousing can vary in the type of user interface panel that is providedthereon. This allows a recipient and/or their carer to customise thehearing prosthesis by selecting the user interface to be used with theirhearing prosthesis at any one time.

The first housing containing the speech processor unit can beconnectable to more than one type of power supply. In the examples ofFIGS. 1 and 2, the second housing (13 or 23) contains a power supply forpowering the componentry of the prosthesis. On mounting of the secondhousing (13 or 23) to the first housing (11), the power supply is ableto provide power through an electrical connection to the speechprocessor. Preferably, the power supply within the second housingcomprises one or more rechargeable batteries.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown the fit housing 11 and an earhook 12 as earlier described in relation to FIG. 1. However incomparison with the arrangement described in relation to FIG. 1, thesecond housing 13 is replaced by assembly 300. Assembly 300 includes aconnector unit 3 la and a remote module 32, connected via cable 33.

The first housing 11 relies on cable 33 to provide data and powertransfer between the remote module 32 and a connector nit 31 a that isremovably connectable with the speech processor 31. However, it will beappreciated that wireless transmission can be utilised to transfer dataand control signals between the remote module 32 and the speechprocessor and/or vice versa.

The remote module 32 includes a user interface panel 34, which isoptionally removable/replaceable from the connector unit 31 a. In thecase of a removable replaceable interface panel 34, this allows arecipient and/or their carer to further customise the hearing prosthesisby selecting the user interface to be used with their hearing prosthesisat any one time.

The user interface panel 34 includes two push-button switches and a dialsimilar to that of user interface panel 14 earlier described in relationto FIG. 1.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the remote module 32 also houses a powersupply for at least some of the componentry of the external component 30and particularly the speech processor. Preferably, the power supplycomprises two rechargeable batteries 35.

The remote module 32 can be worn on the body of the recipient such as bybeing clipped to or placed in the pocket of clothing of the recipient.

A system of interchangeable parts will now be described with referenceto FIG. 4.

The first housing 11 can be provided as part of a hearing prosthesissystem 40 which can provide several interchangeable configurations.Hence the recipient or their carer is provided with a number of optionsas to what may be connected to the speech processor 31 housing at anyone time.

The system 40 includes an option to connect a second housing 41 thatincludes a power supply 42 and radio frequency (RF) signal receivercircuitry that receives and processes RF signals output by the remotemodule 32. In this arrangement, the remote module 32 incorporates RFsignal transmission circuitry for transiting signal to the housing 41 inresponse to adjustments made to the user interface 34 on the remotemodule 32.

The system 40 can also include an option to connect a second housing 43that includes a power supply, a visual display device 44 and userinterface 45. The exemplary display device 44 is a liquid crystaldisplay, however, other suitable displays are envisaged. The liquidcrystal display 44 provides feedback to the recipient or their carer asto the performance of the system 40.

The system 40 can also include an option to connect a second housing 46that includes a power supply and circuitry that not only receives andprocesses RF signals but also can transmit signals back to a remotemodule 47. In this case, the remote module 47 as well as housing a powersource has a user interface 48 and a liquid crystal display (LCD) 49 forproviding feedback to the recipient or their carer as to the performanceof the system 40.

Optionally, the first housing user interface can control some or all ofthe same features that are controllable by the user interface on thesecond housing 23 and/or the remote module 32. The first housing userinterface, if present, can be rendered partially or fully inoperablewhen a second housing 23 and/or remote module 32 as defined herein isused in conjunction with the first housing of the hearing prosthesis.The first housing user interface can be removably or non-removablymounted to the first housing.

The user interface of the second housing 23 and/or the remote module 32can be selected from a range of types of user interfaces that areavailable for use by the recipient of the hearing prosthesis or therecipients carer. For example, the user interface of the second hot 23can be the same or different from available on a remote module 32. Wherea user interface is provided on the first housing, the user interface ofthe second housing and/or the remote module can be different from thatprovided on the first housing.

In alternative configurations, one form of a user interface can beprovided on the first housing 11 to control different features of thehearing prosthesis than that of the features controlled by the userinterface panel of the second housing 23 and/or the remote module.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerousvariations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown inthe specific embodiments without departing from the scope of theinvention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore,to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as“comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusionof a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers orsteps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, orgroup of elements, integers or steps.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerousvariations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown inthe specific embodiment without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are,therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive.

The invention described and claimed herein is not to be limited in scopeby the specific preferred embodiments herein disclosed, since theseembodiments are intended as illustrations, and not limitations, ofseveral aspects of the invention. Any equivalent embodiments areintended to be within the scope of this invention. Indeed, variousmodifications of the invention in addition to those shown and describedherein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from theforegoing description. Such modifications are also intended to fallwithin the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hearing prosthesis system comprising: a first housing containing a primary signal processor, that receives signals output by a microphone; and a plurality of second housings that are removably connectable to the first housing; wherein only one of said second housings is connectable to said first housing at any one time and further wherein at least one of said second housings has a user interface that provides control of one or more features of the operation of the primary signal processor.
 2. A hearing prosthesis comprising: a first housing containing a primary signal processor that receives signals output by a microphone; and a second housing removably connectable to the first housing; wherein a user interface is provided on the second housing that provides control of one or more features of the operation of the primary signal processor.
 3. A hearing prosthesis comprising: a first housing containing a primary signal processor that receives signals output by a microphone; and a remote module; wherein a user interface is provided on the remote module that provides control of one or more features of the operation of the primary signal processor. 